Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Degree Programs 2026
Top-ranked undergraduate machine learning programs based on research output, industry partnerships, job placement rates, and curriculum quality.
Programs Ranked50
Average Starting Salary$92,000
Job Growth Rate22%
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Key Takeaways
1.ML Engineers earn a median salary of $157,000 with 40% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
2.Top-ranked Machine Learning programs include University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California-Irvine based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
3.Best value: University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers machine learning education at $11,524/year with 97% graduation rate
4.48 accredited Machine Learning programs analyzed using IPEDS 2024 completion data
Best Machine Learning Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Ranked #1 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.4/100): 96% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $61,990 in-state tuition, 19 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #2 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.2/100): 94% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $64,596 in-state tuition, 45 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #3 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (87.8/100): 89% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $66,660 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #4 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (87.8/100): 83% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $9,718 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #5 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (82.5/100): 75% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $50,636 in-state tuition, 6 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #6 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (78.4/100): 80% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $10,622 in-state tuition, 2 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #7 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (72.6/100): 61% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $38,600 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #8 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (72/100): 74% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $51,444 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #9 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (70.9/100): 44% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $26,906 in-state tuition, 13 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #10 among artificial intelligence bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (70.8/100): 71% graduation rate, $128,105 median salary, $25,620 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
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Program Strengths
71% graduation rate
$128,105 median salary
$25,620 in-state tuition
1 graduates annually
Best Machine Learning Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's, Complete Program Data
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence
Hakia ranks Massachusetts Institute of Technology's bachelor's artificial intelligence program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cambridge, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $61,990/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $128,105 | Score: 95.4
#2. Carnegie Mellon University — Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence
Best Machine Learning Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
School
Location
Type
Tuition
Grad Rate
Score
#1 University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Public
$11,834
96%
100.0/100
#2 University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Public
$11,834
92%
93.4/100
#3 University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
Public
$11,834
81%
90.6/100
#4 University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
Public
$11,834
96%
88.8/100
#5 University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Public
$11,834
90%
87.8/100
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Average Tuition$20,000/year$60,000/year
FlexibilityGeorgia Tech OMSCS-ML ~$8,950 totalFixed schedule, set location
NetworkingLess research collaborationIn-person connections
Top ProgramGeorgia Tech OMSCS (ML specialization), Stanford Online, Carnegie MellonStanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, University of Washington
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Average Tuition$20,000/year$60,000/year
FlexibilityGeorgia Tech OMSCS-ML ~$8,950 totalFixed schedule, set location
NetworkingLess research collaborationIn-person connections
Top ProgramGeorgia Tech OMSCS (ML specialization), Stanford Online, Carnegie MellonStanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, University of Washington
Complete Rankings: Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs 2026
How Much Does a Machine Learning & Data Science Bachelors Degree Cost?
The total cost of a bachelors's degree in Machine Learning & Data Science ranges from $60,000 at public universities to over $240,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (Research.com, University catalogs).
Public University (In-State): $15,000/year × 4 years = $60,000 total
Public University (Out-of-State): $35,000/year × 4 years = $140,000 total
Private University: $60,000/year × 4 years = $240,000 total
Online Programs: $20,000/year × 4 years = $80,000 total
With median starting salaries of $158,420, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Calculate Your ROI
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning & Data Science
Factor
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Math Requirements
Not offered for ML
Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Optimization, Differential Equations
Science Requirements
Not applicable
Advanced CS, statistical methods, ML theory
Core Credits
Not applicable
Heavy technical core: 70+ credits in math/CS/ML
Liberal Arts
Not applicable
Research methods, technical communication, ethics in AI
Career Focus
Not applicable
ML Engineer, Research Scientist, Deep Learning Engineer
Source: CMU, Stanford, MIT curriculum analysis
$92,000
Starting Salary
$145,000
Mid-Career
+22%
Job Growth
31,200
Annual Openings
Career Paths
Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221
+22%
Conduct advanced ML research in academic or industry settings, publishing findings and developing new algorithms.
Median Salary:$136,000
Which Program Type Is Right for You?
Elite Private Programs (CMU, MIT, Stanford)
You want access to advanced research and top faculty
Strong academic background with high test scores and GPA
Family can afford $60,000+ annual tuition or qualify for need-based aid
Interested in research or graduate school
Want prestigious brand name for career advancement
Top Public Programs (UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, UIUC)
Seeking excellent education with lower tuition costs
Strong academic preparation but cost-conscious
Prefer larger research universities with diverse opportunities
Want access to extensive alumni networks
Interested in both research and industry career paths
Regional Programs with Strong Industry Ties
Want to stay close to home or in specific geographic region
Prioritize practical skills and job placement over research
Prefer smaller class sizes and more personal attention
Looking for competitive tuition rates
Interested in local internship and job opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Learning & Data Science Degrees
How long does it take to get a Machine Learning degree?
Dedicated ML degrees are primarily at the master's level, taking 1.5-2 years (30-45 credits). Bachelor's in CS with ML focus takes 4 years. PhD for research roles takes 4-6 years. ML bootcamps run 3-6 months but lack the theoretical depth of degrees. (University catalogs, IPEDS)
Can you get a Machine Learning degree online?
Yes. Georgia Tech's OMSCS with ML specialization costs ~$8,950 total. Stanford and CMU offer online ML programs. Coursera and edX provide ML certificates from top universities. Most require strong math/CS prerequisites. Online programs provide equivalent theoretical content. (Georgia Tech, Stanford Online)
Is a Machine Learning degree worth it?
With average salary of $158,420 (up to $246,480), ML engineering is among the highest-paying tech roles. World Economic Forum projects 80%+ growth in AI/ML jobs through 2030. 86% of employers expect AI to transform their business by 2030. Strong ROI for qualified candidates. (BLS, World Economic Forum 2025)
What are the best schools for Machine Learning?
Top programs: Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, University of Washington. Georgia Tech OMSCS offers exceptional online value (~$8,950). Johns Hopkins and Northwestern offer strong online master's programs. Research output and faculty expertise are key differentiators. (CSRankings, QS Rankings)
What are the requirements for a Machine Learning degree?
Prerequisites include strong foundations in Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Probability/Statistics, and programming (Python). Advanced programs require algorithms, data structures, and statistical learning theory. Many programs prefer master's applicants with CS, math, or physics backgrounds. (University admission requirements)
Do you need a Machine Learning degree for ML jobs?
Most ML engineering roles prefer master's degrees, though not always required. Bachelor's in CS with ML coursework can suffice for some roles. PhD preferred for research positions. Practical experience with TensorFlow/PyTorch, Kaggle competitions, and portfolio projects can supplement formal education. (Industry surveys, BLS)
What's the job market like for Machine Learning graduates?
Exceptional. World Economic Forum ranks ML specialists among fastest-growing jobs (80%+ growth through 2030). ML engineers earn 10-15% more than data scientists. Top-paying locations: San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, New York. Every industry seeks ML talent for automation and AI integration. (World Economic Forum 2025, BLS)
Machine Learning vs Data Science: which is better?
ML focuses on building algorithms and models. DS on extracting insights from data. ML pays more ($158K vs $112K median) and requires deeper technical skills. DS offers more entry points and broader applications. Choose ML for model building. DS for business analytics. Both have excellent outlooks. (BLS, Coursera)
What skills do Machine Learning & Data Science graduates need?
Key skills include programming languages, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication. Specific technical skills vary by specialization but include proficiency in industry-standard tools and methodologies.
How much do Machine Learning & Data Science graduates earn?
The median salary for Machine Learning & Data Science professionals is $158,420 nationally. Entry-level positions start around $100,000, with experienced professionals earning over $246,480.
How We Rank Machine Learning Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence tops our list of 18 bachelor's machine learning programs. We fold federal graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition figures into a single 0 to 100 score applied identically to every school. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $128,105.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for machine learning graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Return on investment calculations and salary progression data
Faculty Research Publications
Analysis of ML-related publications in top-tier conferences and journals
Industry Partnership Surveys
Direct outreach to program administrators regarding industry collaboration and job placement
How to Choose the Right Machine Learning Program
Selecting the right machine learning bachelor's program requires careful consideration of multiple factors beyond just rankings. Students should evaluate programs based on their career goals, learning style, and financial situation.
Research focus areas of faculty members to ensure alignment with your interests. If you're passionate about computer vision, look for programs with strong imaging research labs. For natural language processing enthusiasts, seek out schools with active NLP research groups and industry partnerships with companies like Google, Microsoft, or OpenAI.
Consider the geographic location and its impact on internship and job opportunities. Programs in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Boston offer more internship opportunities and stronger alumni networks in the industry. However, emerging tech centers like Austin, Atlanta, and Research Triangle Park also provide excellent opportunities often with lower living costs.
Evaluate the balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications. Some programs emphasize mathematical rigor and research preparation, while others focus more on applied skills and industry readiness. Consider whether you plan to pursue graduate school or enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Financial considerations are crucial given the wide range of tuition costs. While top private schools offer exceptional programs, many public universities provide excellent education at significantly lower cost. Calculate the total cost of attendance including living expenses and consider the return on investment based on expected starting salaries.
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.
